Everything You Need to Build a Winter Capsule Wardrobe That’s Both Chic and Warm

Consider a big, roomy sweater to be sleepwear you can wear in public. Because yes, oversize knits are that comfy. Toss one on over jeans, faux-leather leggings or even a sweaterdress when your mind says “sleep” but your schedule says “hustle.”

Shop similar styles: Abercrombie & Fitch Alpaca-Blend Sweater ($130; $91); Madewell Loretto Mockneck Sweater ($98; $88); Everlane Alpaca Oversized Turtleneck ($175); ASOS Curve Wool-Blend Sweater ($54); Free People Ottoman Slouchy Tunic Sweater ($168); Torrid Vegan Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater ($80); Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Crew Sweater ($50)

Less bulky than a parka and more put together than a puffer, a wool coat is an outward projection of the chic outfit underneath (even if you’re too bundled to see it). Top it off with a cashmere beanie or beret and you won’t have to worry about your hair either. Simply opt for an unfussy color—think ivory, gray or black—and keep the silhouette streamlined so your outerwear can be as versatile as possible. And make sure it’s roomy enough to fit over even your chunkiest knit.

Shop similar styles: Theory Sculpted Wool Melton Coat ($895; $537); Ulla Popken Wool Blend Button-Front Coat ($259); Gentle Herd Wool Belted Wrap Coat ($228); Boden Long Belted Coat ($298); Elie Tahari Double Face Wool Wrap Coat ($440; $129); Reformation Baker Coat ($398); Remi x Revolve Brooks Waist Tie Coat ($150)

These tissue-thin, T-shirt-inspired tops can be layered under oversize pullovers, slim-fit cardigans, tailored blazers or even dresses to give you an extra boost of warmth and color. While we generally suggest opting for neutral hues when buying the items on this list, this is one piece that we find is just as versatile in bright hues, contrasting stipes or bold patterns as it is in black or white.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck Tee ($40); Uniqlo Heattech Ultra-Warm Turtleneck ($30); L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Turtleneck ($35); Splendid Classic Turtleneck ($60); Lands’ End Lightweight Turtleneck ($40); Beyond Yoga Foundations Turtleneck ($64)

If you rock only one pair of shoes all winter, make it ankle boots. This super versatile shoe goes with everything (straight-leg jeans, sweaterdresses, you name it), and if you stick to a block heel, it’s comfy enough to wear everywhere the day takes you. Opt for a neutral color like black or dark brown to ensure these booties fit in seamlessly with the clothing you already own, and we strongly advise investing in a style that is either weather-resistant or weather-proof. That way you won’t have to stress if Mother Nature throws a mid-afternoon curve ball your way.

Shop similar styles: Nordstrom Miller Water-Resistant Chelsea Boots ($100); La Canadienne Darling Waterproof Booties ($550; $385); Cole Haan Water-Resistant Greenwich Booties ($210); Nisolo Water-Resistant Dari Commuter Boots ($240; $192); Blondo Salome Waterproof Booties ($150; $100); Sam Edelman Waterproof Laguna Chelsea Boots ($170)

Comfier and warmer than blue jeans, faux-leather pants are the perfect item to wear when you need to be out the door by 8 a.m. and won’t be home until after happy hour. Keep your eyes out for a straight cut that feels modern when worn with simple boots or white sneakers. You can also invest in some faux-leather leggings, which are easier to tuck into tall boots and are every bit as warm as their trouser cousins.

Shop similar styles: Good American Good Icon Faux-Leather Pants ($175); Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings ($98); Abercrombie & Fitch Faux-Leather ’90s Pants ($110; $88); H&M Plus High-Waist Faux-Leather Leggings ($30); Wilfred Melina Faux-Leather Pants ($148); Maeve Colette Faux-Leather Pants ($148); Eloquii Faux-Leather Flare Trousers ($100; $40)

Even if you already own a pair of faux-leather leggings, it’s a good idea to also have a few pairs of matte black leggings for more casual looks. Fleece-lined pairs are great for slipping on under a long sweater and tall boots, while thinner leggings can be worn under dresses or even jeans for some bonus warmth while you’re out and about. Be sure to choose styles that go all the way down to your ankle to prevent any skin from showing, and opt for sleek minimalist designs over those with pockets or extra seams for a streamlined, leg-lengthening look.

Shop similar styles: Vuori Rib Studio Leggings ($89); Pari Passu Goldie Leggings ($78); Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Leggings ($78); Zella Live In High-Waist Leggings ($59); ALO Airlift Leggings ($128); Everlane Seamless Leggings ($58); Allbirds Natural Leggings ($98; $64)

When your outfit feels like it needs a little something extra, whether it’s another layer or an additional accessory, throw on a blanket scarf. Not only will it dress up your wool coat, but it will also function as a chic wrap once you remove that top layer. You’d do best to avoid any scarf with sparkles, wild prints or colors that could clash with anything currently in your closet. The simpler the better.

Shop similar styles: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap ($100); Acne Studios Valley Alpaca and Wool Blanket Scarf (580); Arctic Fox & Co. Stockholm Scarf ($54); Banana Republic Ambra Scarf ($100; $70); Free People Skye Stripe Fringe Scarf ($58); Anthropologie Cozy Fringe Scarf ($48); Everlane Cashmere Scarf ($140)

Dark jeans are dressy enough for many office settings, and the slim cut means they can be styled with almost every kind of shoe: Tuck them into knee-high boots, step into stilettos or pair them with combat boots. The options are endless.

Shop similar styles: Warp + Weft MXP High-Rise Skinny Jeans ($88); Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans ($99); Old Navy OG Straight-Leg Jeans ($50); Mother Dazzler Straight-Leg Jeans ($248); Universal Standard Seine Skinny Jeans ($98); DL1961 Patti Straight-Leg Jeans ($199); Frame Le Crop Mini Boot Jeans ($225)

A cozy sweaterdress is a great mid-way point between dressy and comfy. And opting for a mid- or knee-length ensures you won’t feel lost under all that material. A shorter length also makes it easier to layer leggings or slim-fit pants underneath for bonus warmth without looking disproportionate. In fact, we highly suggest looking around at both chunkier knits in loose silhouettes as well as thinner styles that hug your curves to give you multiple options throughout the season.

Shop similar styles: Object Space-Dye Sweater Dress ($115); Eloquii Turtleneck Sweater Dress ($100; $27); Old Navy Mock Neck Sweater Dress ($70); Topshop Ribbed Funnel Neck Sweater Dress ($74); Reformation Henrietta Cashmere Dress ($278); Moon River Sweater Dress ($114); House of Harlow 1960 Mickey Sweater Dress ($218)

A power suit is always a good choice, but don’t be afraid to break up the set and let your blazer soak up the spotlight. Look for a slightly oversize, more relaxed silhouette to bring unstuffy sophistication to jeans and tees. A looser fit will also make it easier to layer sweaters underneath on extra chilly days. Much like the layering turtlenecks above, you can’t go wrong with black, white or beige, but we find plaid, tweed or even pinstripes to be just as versatile.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Willa Blazer ($278); Madewell Larsen Double-Breasted Blazer ($188; $170); Everlane Oversize Blazer ($228); Pari Passu Debi Blazer ($348); Open Edit Blazer ($75); Lioness La Quinta Blazer ($71); Lane Bryant Scuba Blazer ($120)